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Pedagogy

From Theory to Practice: Designing Assignments in an AI World

April 02, 2026

Learn about a practical traffic light framework for designing assignments in an AI-aware classroom. This system helps instructors make intentional choices about when AI might hinder learning and when it can be leveraged to support it. 
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Meet the Inaugural TRAIL Guides

April 02, 2026

Meet the first of our Teaching and Responsible AI Literacy Guides and what kind of support they can give faculty.
Tool Spotlight: Padlet

Tool Spotlight: Padlet

November 14, 2025

Learn about Padlet, a visual collaboration tool currently being piloted at Northwestern University.
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Tool Spotlight: Poll Everywhere

September 09, 2025

For several years, instructors and programs have asked for a centrally supported tool. To determine the solution with the broadest possibility of adoption, Teaching & Learning Technologies launched a two-year pilot.
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First Insights from the 2025 Generative AI 101 Cohorts

September 03, 2025

Since February 2025, nearly 100 instructors from all 12 Northwestern schools have participated in the first three cohorts of the Generative AI 101 program, offered by Northwestern IT Teaching and Learning Technologies (TLT).
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Canvas Module for Enhancing Student AI Literacy Now Available

April 02, 2025

Higher ed students report wanting more experience with generative AI. Although tools like Copilot and ChatGPT have been available for years, it can be easy for students to use them without understanding how they function and how they may affect their learning.
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Engaging with Students About Generative AI

February 25, 2025

Students, like instructors, recognize that generative AI (Gen AI) has the potential to radically reshape the educational landscape and their future careers.
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Generative AI 101

February 25, 2025

Over the last two years, generative AI technologies have spread widely and rapidly, spurring disruption, opportunity, and change in many aspects of daily life.
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AI Study Buddy

August 21, 2024

Learn how Copilot in Bing can be used as a study tool, helping students do retrieval practice that can significantly improve understanding of complex material.
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Breaking Down the Writing Process with AI

August 21, 2024

Explore specific options for integrating AI into the writing process with suggestions on how to discuss and execute those activities with students.
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Generative AI on Your Terms: Data and Privacy 101

August 21, 2024

When using generative AI, how can I make sure data and information is being shared on my terms? Learn the questions you should ask before putting information into generative AI tools.
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Generative AI and Teaching for Fall 2024

August 20, 2024

What generative AI tool is recommended and available to me and my students? Find prompt ideas for new users of generative AI and Northwestern generative AI resources.

Fixed-Seating, Big Classes...Can You Do Active Learning?

April 01, 2024

Active learning usually has associations of small groups of students talking and moving around a classroom filled with gleaming tech and slick seating. For most instructors, those types of classrooms are not where they spend most of their teaching time.

Canvas Chatbot Gets an AI Upgrade

October 02, 2023

The Northwestern Canvas Chatbot debuted in the winter of 2019 and has since helped thousands of students and instructors find quick and helpful answers...
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Discussion Board Alternatives

January 13, 2021

Discussion can be a powerful learning activity that helps students synthesize thoughts and make high-level connections. During remote and online classes, discussion boards have become a valuable part of student engagement
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Q&A on Collaborative or Two-Stage Exams

December 15, 2020

In this article, hear from a Northwestern faculty member who uses two-stage exams in her online and in-person classes and learn more about this type of assessment and how to execute it in Canvas.
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Spotlight On: Peer Review

October 12, 2020

Peer review can be a powerful activity that helps your students practice editing skills and creating substantive critique. But how can you avoid lackluster comments and Canvas confusion in a Peer Review activity?

To Teach Synchronously or Asynchronously is Not the Only Question

September 11, 2020

Please permit me to take a somewhat more philosophical approach to the “should I just teach synchronously” question that has been coming up during our move to remote instruction. I’ve been writing a lot of FAQs and short pieces that are bullets of items to check off to prepare for this transition, so it is a luxury to spend a little more time on something substantive.

Recommendations for Remote Quarter Start Readiness

March 26, 2020

A question likely on your mind is, What should I prioritize for my first week of class? Over the past few weeks, you’ve likely massively revamped your final exams and projects, attended some Zoom or Canvas workshops, packed up essential items from your office, and given your Spring Quarter syllabus a hard stare.